Rannoch Moor

We awoke to a misty, rainy, windy, bleak day….just perfect !! It is so atmospheric here. Kate described it as primeval.

So, any thoughts of walking today are abondoned very quickly. Though I must say, a lot of people staying here are very hardy souls and they march out in all weathers geared up against the elements.

Not us, we choose the drive option today. We headed up what is known as the James Bond Road, as part of Skyfall was filmed there. It is a single track road that leads to Loch Etive. It is simply stunning. No photo or video can show the majesty of the landscape. With all the rain there are waterfalls everywhere and with the fast moving clouds hugging the hilltops there is real ethereal quality to the views.

When we arrive at Loch Etive the wind is blowing in very hard off the Loch, so we didn’t venture too far afield. Driving back it was clear that we had beaten the crowds as everyone was coming our way. We spotted a deer near the side of the road which just rounded out the morning beautifully.

When we arrived back on the main road the weather had cleared a bit and the rain was just a mizzle. So, we decided to head to the Glencoe Ski Resort. I use the word “Resort” with tongue in cheek. The chair lift up to the main ski area was open so we rugged up and headed up. It may not surprsie you to learn that there was no queue for the lift.

Once up, it was then necessary to take a 20 minute hike further up to get the best views back down the Glen. We were all determined to give it a go, but the creek crossing proved too much for Kate and Kirsty. There was a very dodgy “foot bridge” that arched down to almost touch the water which was a torrent. Plus, the wind was gusting up to 40km per hour. I braved the crossing and headed up hill through what turned out to be very boggy ground, almost ankle deep in parts, but the summit was worth the views.

We all descended to ground zero where a very welcome cup of soup was to be had, and we did.

We then headed for the nearest large town,Tyndrum, which was about 20 minutes away. The girls have now realised that they need gloves and beanies if they are to survive the Highlands. Back at the hotel it was coffee and cards time, a rest before dinner, and no doubt an early night.

Fingers are crossed for better weather tomorrow so we can do some walking, scrambling, crawling….time will tell.